.png){kind=logo}
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, community connection, and personal resilience. For the inspiring women of Cycle Sisters, cycling during this holy month isn’t just about staying active - it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and soul. Their stories remind us that with thoughtful preparation and by listening to your body, we can continue to enjoy cycling while fasting.
Kiren: A Commuter on a Mission
Kiren from Waltham Forest has made cycling her trusted companion during Ramadan for the past three years. Every morning, she pedals through familiar routes, embracing the calm (well as calm as London can be!) of early morning. For Kiren, cycling is more than a mode of transport - it’s a chance to enjoy the fresh air, connect with nature, and centre her mind for worship.
A Few of Kiren’s Key Tips:
Early Bird Rides: Ride as early as possible, when energy levels are at their peak.
Ease Into It: Start with shorter journeys to help your body adjust.
Don’t overthink it: Ride on routes your familiar with so you don’t have to use too much brain power.
Keep cool by layering: If you’re getting hot while riding, remove some of your extra layers to stop you from overheating, which can make you feel more thirsty.
“I find cycling especially enjoyable during Ramadan, as it allows me to connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and fit in my daily exercise. This not only helps clear my mind and improve focus in worship but also makes time pass more pleasantly. Plus, it’s a great way to establish a healthy routine that can continue well beyond Ramadan." - Kiren
Taqia (Umm Abdullah): Fasting with Fitness
For Taqia, working out during Ramadan has always felt like second nature. Last year, she embraced her biggest challenge yet by training for the London Marathon throughout Ramadan - a feat that showcased her determination and resilience. This year, however, she’s opting for a gentler approach on the bike, honouring her body’s need for rest while still cherishing the benefits of movement.
Highlights from Taqia’s Routine:
Morning Blessings: Start the day with a low-intensity ride to capture the early morning’s blessings.
Stay Hydrated: Focus on hydration during non-fasting hours
Fibre-Focused Meals: Emphasise fibre-rich foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, to keep your energy sustained throughout the day.
Taqia’s routine illustrates that whether you’re training for a marathon or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, the key is to stay connected with your body and adapt your pace to what feels right.
“For me, working out during Ramadan feels much like any other month. I believe this is because I regularly fast at least eight days a month - every Monday and Thursday (as recommended by”the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). I prefer to do my workout or cycling in the morning, as that’s the time of the day with the most barakah (blessings)." - Taqia
Myra & Zainab: Cycling and Sisterhood
Myra and Zainab embody the spirit of togetherness on their cycling journeys. Last year, they took on a unique adventure by cycling to a different mosque outside of London each weekend in Ramadan, including the beautiful Cambridge and Woking Mosques. Their rides weren’t just about physical fitness - they were spiritual journeys that intertwined with the joy of discovery.
Their Shared Insights Include:
Be Kind to yourself: Acknowledge you won’t be riding at the same level as if you were not fasting and that’s perfectly ok!
Make it easier: Plan your routes and remove sections which would be too challenging, for example - hills are kept to a minimum
Smart Scheduling: Time your rides post-suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or pre-Iftar (post-fasting meal), fueling up with porridge, dates, and electrolytes.
Mindful Riding: Whilst riding took the opportunity to remember the blessings of the month and the time on the bike to make zikr (remembrance of God).
For Myra, cycling in Ramadan is a way to maintain balance in her mental health, fitness, and overall well-being. Their collective adventures underscore that every ride is unique - it's not about competition, but about embracing the journey with a grateful heart.
“Ramadan riding hits differently. The enjoyment factor is heightened as the sense of accomplishment is so powerful upon completing a ride, just knowing that you have accomplished the ride whilst fasting, brings immense joy!
“To add to the enjoyment is participating in the Fasted 500 challenge. The goal of the challenge is to complete 500 km of cycling, be it indoors or outdoors, during the month of Ramadan. This is a challenge in which I participate and complete every year, it helps and encourages me to keep my fitness and consistency on track whilst performing the physical activity I love.” - Myra
Listen to Your Body and Embrace the Ride
These women remind us that cycling during Ramadan comes in many forms and serves different purposes. Whether you’re cycling for fitness, commuting, training for an event, or simply making practical trips - to the shops, the mosque for prayers, or a class - there’s no reason to miss out on your usual rides. The key is to listen to your body, pace yourself, and find a rhythm that works for you.
Sponsor a Sister – Strengthen Our Communities
At Cycle Sisters, we believe that cycling can uplift and empower Muslim women to lead healthier, happier lives. Yet, many of our sisters face health inequalities, isolation, low confidence, and limited access to safe spaces for exercise. This Ramadan, let’s come together as a community to create change.
Support our Cycle Sisters Ramadan Fundraising Campaign: "Sponsor a Sister – Strengthen Our Communities."
Your donation can help break down barriers and provide safe, supportive spaces for more women to enjoy cycling. Together, we can build a future where every sister is empowered to thrive both on and off her bike.
Commentaires